CHINA ramped up World War 3 tensions yesterday with simulated air and sea strikes on Taiwan.
Leader Xi Jinping gave his military the go-ahead for drills described as a “stern warning” to the self-governing island.
The huge exercises are believed to have been spurred by a visit to the US made by Taiwan’s president last week.
Beijing strongman Xi claims industry powerhouse Taiwan is a breakaway part of China and has pledged to seize the island by force if necessary.
The US has vowed to hit back if there is an attack. Taiwan said yesterday that 45 Chinese planes — including Russian-built SU-30 fighters and H-6 bombers — entered its airspace or crossed the unofficial dividing line between the territories.
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In total, 71 Chinese jets were involved in the mission around Taiwan, 100 miles off China’s eastern border.
And air alerts sounded as around 20 warships — half from China and half from Taiwan — were involved in a tense stand-off.
Sea exercises were led by aircraft carrier Shandong, 400 miles off Taiwan’s south east coast.
The Chinese encirclement came on the second day of drills.
An unnamed Taiwanese source warned: “Taiwan is not their only target. It’s very provocative.”
Fears have been growing among US Pentagon chiefs that Xi may launch a swift attack.